198X Smith Corona Coronamatic 2500 #9ELB-296837G
Status: My Collection
Hunter: James Grooms (jgrooms)
Created: 03-09-2025 at 04:12PM
Last Edit: 03-10-2025 at 06:08AM
Find on Ebay #AD
Find on Etsy #AD
Description:
The last generation of what Duane says are "simply the best" electric typebar machines ever built. Often mistaken for the cheapie versions being offered in the 80s, this is a solid typewriter, with some nice features. What you say? Such as 1/2 line spacing, a paper injector and the super cool security key. A quick and fun project for the price of....free! With the carbon ribbon, it produces a fine impression. This one in Regency #80 Pica.
First ads intro the "all new model" in late 1979 with msrps $370-400 ($1600-1750). The ads are interesting starting with the 7000 in 1973 as to how S-C tries to compete with IBM in the office market by offering the cartridge ribbon system with carbon film and correction as a budget alternative. See the manual's back cover for what they are going after and clearly a mini Selectric in shape.
By 1984 Smith Corona is in freefall. The last blowout ads for the 2500 come to and end as they move to electronics and the huge Ultrasonic flop.
If we use the gallery SNs, we have 301,872 sold between lowest and highest. Did. S-C sell 4 million electrics based on the 5TE? You bet they did.
This one has had some paper run through it. The paper table shows wear and the feet are worn down so the bottom cover is rubbing at the motor spot. Despite the wear, it had been cleaned sometime shortly before it was parked and all functions were a go straight out of the case. An easy service and a nice typer. These versions have a thicker platen that is also a different core so they addressed the noise. An EVA foam add to this would be a fun experiment.
Typeface Specimen:
Links:
Photos:
Hunter: James Grooms (jgrooms)
James Grooms's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 10795
As with many, the bug is back there somewhere due to an Underwood No. 5. My grandparents had a No 5. My parents had a yellow Royal Safari that I used to index card everything, including a beer can collection. Collection syndrome clue! A casual interest in typewriters started with a garage sale 3 bank simply because it said Underwood on it. Typewriters were found here and there , but I wasn't actively looking for them. The long dormant collecting tic was activated when my neighbors left a Remington Quiet Riter on the curb when they moved.
Typewriters are the perfect blend of using one's technical skills, history and functional purpose. My goal is type tested machines. My interests are not isolated to anyone area. For example, I am a big fan of Smith Corona electrics, mid century electrics and all things Royal.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Smith Corona Coronamatic 2500 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Smith Corona Serial Number page and the Smith Corona Coronamatic 2500 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
